Bristol women’s Morris troupe challenges unwelcome comments from male dancers
Heaps Morris, a women-only Morris dancing group from Bristol, says crude and unwelcome remarks from male dancers have left members uncomfortable and nearly ruined dance events for some. The group has spoken out to challenge behaviour it says should not be excused as old-fashioned, while stressing that it is not seeking to demonise male Morris dancers.
Founded in 2023, Heaps Morris performs in the Cotswold style and describes itself as a group of female-identifying dancers. It says comments about members’ appearances, clothing and underwear are never relevant or acceptable. Other Morris groups, including Chelmsford Morris and Pensans Morris, publicly supported the troupe and called for the behaviour to be taken seriously.
In short
- Bristol troupe reports unwelcome remarks from male Morris dancers.
- Heaps Morris says excuses for the comments are unacceptable.
- Other Morris groups have publicly backed the dancers.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Heaps Morris’s members have a reasonable case that comments about their appearance, clothing or underwear are inappropriate at dance events and can make participation uncomfortable or deter people from taking part. Taking the complaints seriously and setting clear standards would help ensure that Morris dancing remains welcoming, while allowing the group to address conduct without blaming male dancers as a whole.
The case against
A fair-minded response could stress that the reported remarks are not described in detail here, so individuals and groups should avoid assuming every allegation has the same context or treating it as representative of male Morris dancers. Any response should establish what was said and address those responsible proportionately, preserving room for informal traditions and fair treatment while making clear that tradition does not excuse unwelcome comments.
Explained simply
Morris dancing is a traditional English group dance, with different regional styles and local clubs. Cotswold Morris, the style performed by Heaps Morris, is often danced with sticks or handkerchiefs.
Heaps Morris is a Bristol troupe formed in 2023 for female-identifying dancers. Its members say remarks about their looks, clothes or underwear have made some feel uncomfortable at dance events.
The issue matters because Morris dancing depends on people from different groups meeting and performing together. Other troupes, including Chelmsford Morris and Pensans Morris, have backed Heaps Morris’s call for such behaviour to be taken seriously.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Morris dancing sexism row as women-only group accuse male dancers of making ‘crude’ and ‘gross’ remarks”.